This position is for the 2026/27 school year. 

 

Mercer Island School District seeks an educator who values the critical role of middle school in a young musician’s development and is prepared to build and lead a vibrant, student-centered band culture within a supportive, high-performing district.

 

This position is .8 FTE at the middle school, and .2 Elementary Beginning Band (Beginning Clarinets or candidate strength) for a total of 1.0 FTE for the 26-27 school year. This position’s duties may have assignment flexibility based on candidate strengths and experience. Band teachers are also offered supplemental contracts for additional work, as appropriate. A paid AM Jazz Band teaching position may be available for qualified candidates. .6 FTE of this position is team teaching. 

 

In addition to the essential functions and qualifications listed below, candidates will be sought who meet the following criteria:

 

• Willingness to travel between schools, if required.  Our district Team Teaching model includes travel for most band directors to facilitate strong relationships with students, and deploy staff in a way that best meets student needs.
• Successful experience developing and teaching in a public school band program grades 5 through 12, with an emphasis on the middle and high school level (6-8th Grade).
• Desire to work with a dedicated team, committed to deep collaboration and team teaching.
• Demonstrated performance proficiency on a band instrument.
• Knowledge of Wind Band literature representative of current and repertory styles.
• Previous experience leading an instrumental music program is preferred. 
• Knowledge of best practices in the genre of jazz is preferred.
• Experience with various forms of music technology is preferred.
• Knowledge of age appropriate chamber and small group music is preferred. 
• Commitment to facilitate and/or participate in after school and evening commitments associated with the advancement of a nationally renowned band program. 

POSITION SUMMARY

A classroom teacher fosters and enhances an effective learning environment; facilitates the development or revision of curriculum and instructional materials; establishes learning objectives and standards-based upon general District guidelines; provides instruction; counsels, disciplines, and supervises to meet the individual needs of assigned students, and evaluates student performance and progress.  

 

 

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

• Communicates high expectations for student learning.
• Uses research-based instructional practices to meet the needs of all students.
• Acquires and uses specific knowledge about students' cultural, individual, intellectual and social development and uses that knowledge to adjust their practice by employing strategies that advance student learning.
• Uses content area knowledge, learning standards, appropriate pedagogy, and resources to design and deliver curricula and instruction to impact student learning.
• Fosters and manages a safe and inclusive learning environment that takes into account: the Physical, emotional, and intellectual well-being of students.
• Uses multiple data elements (both formative and summative) to plan, inform and adjust instruction, and evaluate student learning.
• Communicates and collaborates with students, families and all educational stakeholders in an ethical and professional manner to promote student learning.
• Participates collaboratively in the educational community to improve instruction, advance the knowledge and practice of teaching as a profession, and ultimately impact student learning.
• Attends or participates in all required staff meetings and other activities deemed necessary by the District and/or building principal, in order to accomplish the objectives of the position and for professional achievement.

OTHER FUNCTIONS

• Serves on staff committees as required.
• Performs related tasks consistent with the scope and responsibility of the position. 

QUALIFICATION REQUIREMENTS

 

Education and Experience

• Bachelor's degree; academic preparation for or experience in working with a diverse student population.
• Endorsement as required by state standards for subject expertise. Licenses/Special Requirements as required.
• Valid Washington State Teaching Certificate; some positions may require valid first aid and CPR certification; some positions may require a valid Washington State driver's license and/or a Class II driver's license.
• Enjoys working with middle and high school level students
• Willingness to travel between schools.  Our district Team Teaching model includes travel for most band directors to facilitate strong relationships with students, and deploy staff in a way that meets student needs best.
• Successful experience developing and teaching in a public school band program grades 5 through 12, with an emphasis on the middle and high school level
• Desire to work with a dedicated team, committed to deep collaboration and team teaching.

• Demonstrated performance proficiency on a band instrument.

• Demonstrated ability to work and communicate effectively with students at all levels, staff, parents, and community.

• Knowledge of Wind Band literature representative of current and repertory styles.

• Knowledge of best practices in the genre of jazz.

• Commitment to facilitate and/or participate in after school and evening commitments associated with the advancement of a nationally renowned band program.

Required Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• Knowledge of: Subject areas appropriate to assignment; effective behavior management techniques; effective instructional techniques; rules and procedures for student safety.  
• Skill in: Proficiency in reading, writing, and oral communications; effective communication with parents or guardians in a diverse community; designing and implementing lesson plans for students having a wide range of achievement.
• Ability to: Deal with students in a positive and confident manner; be fair and consistent when working with a diverse student population; adapt to change and remain flexible; organize activities; manage student behavior; use good judgment to maintain a safe learning environment; provide instruction and demonstrate techniques; use necessary equipment, computers, machinery, tools, or software; direct assistants; in some positions, administer first aid and CPR; establish and maintain effective, positive working relationships with students, parents or guardians, staff and administrators.

WORKING CONDITIONS

 

Required to deal with a wide range of student achievement and behavior; required to remain flexible to meet students immediate needs; required to handle multiple tasks simultaneously and prioritize; may experience frequent interruptions; may occasionally deal with distraught or difficult students; potentially exposed to ordinary infectious diseases carried by students; in some positions the necessary and appropriate instructional methods may require specific positions and movements, and sufficient stamina and exertions, to demonstrate techniques properly for student safety, or to conduct or direct students; in some positions precautions may need to be taken to prevent or lessen exposure of self and/or students to various materials, fumes, equipment, cutting edges or hot surfaces; may teach in a classroom without telephone communication.

 

Please Note:

 

As part of the interview process, applicants will be asked to work with one of the middle school large ensembles on a piece of music that will be provided to them in advance. All interviewees will also be observed instructing an instrumental music student in a one to one setting.